Oburu resurfaces, breaks silence after absence sparks speculation

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has seemingly resurfaced and broken his silence after a brief hiatus from the public eye that raised both eyebrows and questions.

Dr. Oburu, taking to his official X handle on Friday evening, posted a video and photos of himself playing golf, writing: “Up and grateful!”

This came just hours after his office as well as the ODM party at large sought to dismiss reports questioning his health and political relevance amid the perceived hiatus.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Communications Department of Oburu’s office said reports appearing in local dailies suggesting a decline in his health or loss of grip on party affairs were “malicious” and “entirely divorced from the truth.”

The office explained that Oburu’s recent absence from the political scene was part of the party’s strategic decision as it focuses on its future goals.

“We wish to reassure our supporters, stakeholders, and the general public that the Party Leader is in excellent health, sound mind, and continues to provide steady leadership to our movement,” the statement read.

“Having mentored a formidable team of energetic leaders, he has made the conscious decision to take a ‘back seat’ in day-to-day partisan activities. The Leader’s recent shift in public profile is a result of a calculated and deliberate strategic transition.”

According to the statement, the move is aimed at allowing younger leaders within the party to take charge of party organs and demonstrate their leadership abilities at the national level.

While younger leaders handle frontline political activities, the party said Oburu has now taken up the role of “strategic overseer.”

Oburu’s office said the veteran politician is currently focused on providing high-level mentorship and ideological guidance to the party’s top brass, leading sensitive pre-coalition negotiations and building broader political alliances and also engaging in high-stakes diplomatic consultations and long-term policy formulation.

It thus called on the media to report responsibly and desist from publishing unverified information.

“The party remains more united and focused than ever, with our Leader firmly at the helm of our long-term strategy,” the statement noted.

The clarification followed a prior statement by ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale who also sought to allay public concern over Oburu’s whereabouts following days of absence from public engagements.

“Today we’ve seen we have been invited to news by some of the local dailies questioning where our party leader is,” said Etale. “I want to assure you that the party leader is very okay… he is fine.”

Etale further said public interest in Oburu’s whereabouts underscored his political significance.

“When people start questioning about the whereabouts of somebody, that tells you how important that person is. We take pride in that,” he said.

Concerns over Oburu’s absence intensified after he failed to attend the party’s three-day retreat in Mombasa, where ODM leaders held discussions on party unity amid internal wrangles.